DCAN Update | Jan. 27, 2021
ADVOCACY UPDATES
Pass along to your students!
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

President Biden signed a memorandum on January 20th, renewing the United States commitment to protecting and preserving the DACA program. DACA provides safety from deportation and temporary work permits for students who lack documentation. It also allows students to qualify for institutional aid.

DCAN firmly stands with all of our students, regardless of immigration status. We welcome all necessary resources and support for these students and their families in order to achieve their educational dreams.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits for College Students

In the latest COVID-19 relief bill, SNAP's strict 20 hours/week student work requirements are temporarily waived if students either:

  • Are eligible for federal or state-funded work study program during the regular year or,
  • Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 during the current academic year
Student Loan Payment Freeze

The Department of Education extended pauses on federal student loan repayments through September 2021. The executive order also extended the 0% interest period. Before Biden's executive action, the relief was set to expire on January 31.
FAFSA Changes

Congress has reached an agreement on FAFSA simplification beginning for filers in October 2022. The legislation will:

  • Reduce over half of the questions for most filers, including questions that create barriers for students to access certain aid
  • Increase Pell Grant eligibility to an estimated half a million students
  • Increase Pell Grant award amount to an estimated 1.7 million students
HIGHLIGHT A COUNSELOR
We Appreciate You!
February 1st-5th is National School Counseling Week and we want to recognize and celebrate the dedicated counselors in our network.

If you know a counselor whose work goes above and beyond, please nominate them to be featured in our newsletter and receive a special gift!
FEBRUARY LUNCH AND LEARN REMINDER
RSVP Today!
Join us for our February Lunch and Learn! Our focus is "Skilled Trade Programming." This event will be held virtually and has been submitted for SCECH credits. 

The agenda includes:
  • Presentation from Atlantic Impact
  • Panel of Skilled Trade Program
  • NSC Report
BIGFUTURE DAYS
The College Board's first ever Virtual College Fair
Calling all Sophomores and Juniors!
College Board is hosting virtual college fairs with admissions reps from hundreds of colleges across the United States.

BigFuture Days Midwest will take place March 11, from 5-9 PM but students can attend any region's fair if they are interested in out of state schools!
IN THE NEWS
Read the NSC Report
NSC Report: High School Class of 2020 Shows Catastrophic Enrollment Declines
CONNECT: Detroit College Access Network